Blackheath Councillor Kerrie Carmichael has been elected as leader of Sandwell Council at the full Council meeting this evening.
Councillor Carmichael has pledged to continue her strong engagement with Sandwell communities and neighbourhoods and to ensure that key policies are effectively delivered.
Having served as a councillor for Blackheath for nine years, Councillor Carmichael has also held cabinet positions including her most recent portfolio as cabinet member for neighbourhoods and communities.
Councillor Carmichael talked of her pride in becoming Leader of Sandwell Council. She said: “I have lived in Sandwell all my life and I am very proud to become the Leader of Sandwell Council.
“It’s important to me that we deliver the high-quality daily services all our residents expect, at the same time as recognising the different needs of our towns and communities.
“My ambition for Sandwell will be underpinned by ensuring that we have the key policies that meet residents’ needs and the processes and structures in place to make sure they happen.
“I cannot do this alone and I will be supported by my hard-working cabinet who remain in their existing portfolios.”
Councillor Carmichael will retain her portfolio of neighbourhoods and communities. This includes equalities, inclusion and diversity.
Sandwell Council’s cabinet members are:
- Deputy Leader – Councillor Maria Crompton, Cabinet Member – Finance & Resources
- Councillor Karen Simms, Cabinet Member – Children & Education
- Councillor Danny Millard, Cabinet Member – Culture & Tourism
- Councillor Suzanne Hartwell, Cabinet Member – Adults, Social Care & Health
- Councillor Zahoor Ahmed, Cabinet Member – Housing
- Councillor Iqbal Padda, Cabinet Member – Regeneration & Growth
- Councillor Bob Piper, Cabinet Member – Community Safety
- Councillor Ahmad Bostan, Cabinet Member – Environment
Councillor Carmichael added: “There are many towns that make up the borough of Sandwell, each of them with a unique identity and a strong sense of community. I want to build on this and ensure each area has an equal opportunity so we can make Sandwell a cleaner, greener and safer place to live and work.”
[Source: Sandwell Council]